The 1971 Chevrolet Nova has always been one of the most rewarding cars to build. Compact, light, and perfectly balanced between muscle and street machine, it can be turned into anything from a strip brawler to a refined driver. This one, though, carries extra weight in the story. Built by Auto Metal Direct and featured on Season 9 of Chop Cut Rebuild, it was created to showcase AMD's entire catalog of new steel. The company didn't just want to prove their panels fit. They set out to demonstrate just how complete a Nova could be built, from the floorpans to the rear quarters and all the way up to the dash, glass, and grilles.
The body of this Nova was rebuilt using an extensive lineup of Auto Metal Direct components that showcase just how complete their replacement catalog has become. A new AMD subframe anchors the build, supported by fresh steel from the floorpan to the quarters, fenders, hood, and decklid. The car also received new rockers, inner fenders, radiator support, cowl, and fuel tank, along with countless smaller panels and brackets sourced straight from AMD's inventory. It's a true demonstration of precision manufacturing and modern fitment. The exterior is finished in PPG Blue Heaven, a deep metallic tone accented by subtle black striping, chrome bumpers, and polished trim. The stance is dialed in perfectly with 18-inch Schott MOD5 ExL wheels, wearing 255mm front and 295mm rear Yokohama Advan Sport tires, giving the car the right footprint to back up its look.
Under the hood, the craftsmanship continues. Power comes from a 6.0-liter iron-block LS built by Grimes Automotive. It pairs the strength of the LQ architecture with aluminum LS3-style heads. Instead of going with the usual electronic fuel injection, this LS breathes through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor that keeps things simple and old-school. It's a modern engine with a classic heartbeat. Long-tube Hedman headers feed a full stainless Pypes exhaust, giving the car a crisp, aggressive note that matches its personality. Power is routed through a Keisler SS700 5-speed manual transmission to a 10-bolt rear axle with 3.73 gears and limited slip, giving it long legs for highway runs but plenty of punch off the line. The driveline is simple, proven, and built for reliability. Power-assisted Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, with drilled and slotted rotors complemented by red calipers match the performance attitude. A Hotchkis Sport Suspension adds tubular contral arms, front sway bar, and a lowered stance. And upgraded power steering components replace the vague factory setup. The result is a Nova that drives with precision and confidence, a car that feels as modern as it looks.
Open the door and it's clear this Nova wasn't just thrown together to look good on camera. The interior blends period-correct style with a modern edge. Legendary Auto Interiors supplied the bright red upholstery, paired with matching door panels, dash, and carpet from Auto Custom Carpet. Dakota Digital VHX gauges sit behind a Flaming River steering column, giving the driver accurate data with a blue-illuminated display. A RetroSound stereo keeps the period-correct theme while adding auxiliary inputs, and the Vintage Air climate system manages modern air conditioning so this car can be enjoyed in any weather. Every visible surface has been restored, repainted, or refinished to the same standard as the body.
This car wasn't just built for TV. It was built to prove a point. Auto Metal Direct set out to show what could be achieved when their complete catalog of parts came together in one project. The finished product delivered on that goal, blending modern LS power with classic design and clean execution. It remains a thoughtfully built, well-sorted Nova that carries the legacy of AMD's craftsmanship and the vision that helped cement their name in the restoration world.
Click here to watch the full build video https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=E5YOHHvyPNY
Key Highlights
Ground-up build by Auto Metal Direct for Chop Cut Rebuild television show
Showcase project for AMD's complete GM catalog
PPG Blue Heaven metallic paint
Grimes Automotive 6.0L iron-block LS engine
Aluminum '821' cylinder heads
Holley 4-barrel carburetor
Keisler SS700 5-speed manual transmission
10 bolt rear axle with 3.73 gearing
Limited-slip differential
Four-wheel, power Wilwood disc brakes
Power steering
Modern air conditioning
Hotchkis suspension
Long-tube Hedman headers
Pypes dual stainless exhaust system
18" Schott MOD5 ExL wheels
Custom red upholstery by Legendary Auto Interiors
Dakota Digital VHX gauges
RetroSound audio
